Chester Cheddar Chase Story 3rd Grade Decodable Reader • Digraph /ch/
Chester and the Cheddar Chase
Part 1 of 2 Target Sound: /ch/
Detective Clue: Look for ch and tch making the /ch/ sound as you read!
chime • crunch • catch
1
The Chilly Morning Mystery
On a chilly autumn morning, the church clock chimed six times. Under the wooden porch of the Cozy Kitchen Bakery lived Chester, a cheerful chipmunk with chunky cheeks and a twitching nose. Chester loved the sweet smell of cinnamon buns, but his absolute favorite treat in the world was sharp cheddar cheese.
Inside the bakery, Chef Charlie was bustling around doing his morning chores. He wore a checkered apron with a giant patch on the front pocket. Chef Charlie chopped fresh apples, rolled pastry dough, and set a huge block of golden cheddar on the kitchen bench. "Today," Chef Charlie declared with a chuckle, "I shall bake my champion cheddar biscuits!"
Clue Log: Missing from the Counter!
Chef Charlie turned his back for ten seconds to check the chimney damper. When he turned back around, a hefty chunk of cheese had vanished into thin air!
2
The Kitchen Inspection
"Good grief!" shouted Chef Charlie, clutching his wooden spoon. "Who snatched my cheddar?" He marched across the checkers-pattern tile floor to check every latch and latchkey. The kitchen window was open just an inch. Outside on the birch branch, a pair of bluebirds chirped a loud warning.
Down on the porch bench sat Chester, calmly nibbling a hazelnut. Chef Charlie charged out the back screen door. "Chester!" accused the chef. "Did you creep in and pinch my prized cheese? Your cheeks look extra chunky today!" Chester gave a quick chirp of protest and shook his bushy tail. He was no cheese thief—or was he?
Chester Cheddar Chase • 3rd Grade Phonics Reader Page 1
The Conclusion
Solving the Case
Part 2 of 2 Story Continued
3
The Cheddar Trail
Chester leaped from the porch railing and pointed his tiny paw toward the garden patch. "Chit-chatter!" Chester chirped, scampering ahead. Chef Charlie leaned forward and gasped. Sticking to the wet gravel path were bright orange crumbs. Something had crunched the cheddar in a hurry, leaving a clear trail straight past the chicken coop!
They crept quietly toward an old wooden chest resting beneath the peach tree. Inside the shadowy chest sat Chloe, a fluffy calico kitten wearing a shiny silver bell collar. Chloe had the missing chunk of cheese between her front paws and was happily munching away without a care in the world!
4
A Cheerful Feast
Chef Charlie let out a hearty chuckle. "Well, bless my checkered apron! Chloe was the cheese champion all along!" The chef gently scooped up the kitten and carried her back into the warm kitchen. "I owe you an apology, Chester. You didn't snatch anything; you helped crack the case!"
To celebrate, Chef Charlie baked a brand new batch of warm cheddar crunch muffins. He set a saucer of milk for Chloe by the hearth, placed a golden muffin crumb plate on the porch for Chester, and poured himself a hot pitcher of spiced cider. Chester munched happily, thinking that teamwork was truly the sweetest treat of all.
Stop, Think & Chat! (Turn & Talk with a Partner)
1. Clue Analysis
Why did Chef Charlie suspect Chester first? What clues cleared Chester's name?
2. Digraph Hunt
Find three words in Chapter 4 where the /ch/ sound is spelled with -tch .
Key /ch/ Words:
Chester cheddar chores chuckle snatch crunch pitcher
Chester Cheddar Chase • 3rd Grade Phonics Reader Page 2
Chester Cheddar Practice Worksheet Phonics & Reading Comprehension
Digraph /ch/ Detective Casebook
Official Case #304
Name:
Date:
1
Story Clues & Comprehension
Circle the best answer or write your response.
1. What was Chef Charlie preparing to bake before his cheddar disappeared?
A Cinnamon rolls
B Cheddar biscuits
C Apple pies
2. What clue proved that Chester was innocent of taking the cheese?
A Chester was asleep
B The birds ate it all
C Chloe had it by the tree
3. How did Chester act like a true friend and detective when Chef Charlie accused him?
Provide one specific action from the story to support your thinking.
2
Digraph /ch/ Sound Position Sort
Evidence Bank (Sort these 9 words into the columns below):
chimney pitcher crunch chuckle kitchen branch champion checkers porch
Beginning /ch/
(Sound at start)
Middle /ch/
(Sound inside)
Ending /ch/
(Sound at end)
Chester Cheddar Chase • Student Activity Casebook Page 1
Spelling & Word Investigator
Casebook Continued: Part 2
Score: _____ / 20
3
The Spelling Rule: ch vs. tch
Rule: Use tch right after a short vowel in a one-syllable word (e.g., catch , fetch ).
Use ch after a consonant, after two vowels, or at the start of a word (e.g., bench , peach ).
Fill in the blank with either ch or tch to spell each word correctly:
1. Chef Charlie had a pa_____ on his apron. (___)
2. Chester sat on the wooden ben_____. (___)
3. Chloe loved to sna_____ the tasty snack. (___)
4. Chester climbed a leafy pea_____ tree. (___)
5. Did the chef ma_____ the clue with the cat? (___)
6. The birds sang on the high bran_____. (___)
4
Detective Sentence Workshop
Write an original third-grade sentence using the target /ch/ words. Remember capitalization and ending punctuation!
Sentence A: Use the words crunch and cheddar:
Sentence B: Use the words chuckle and watch:
Bonus Mystery Riddle: Who Am I?
"I have a bell on my collar, soft whiskers on my cheeks, and I love to chomp on cheese inside an old wooden chest. Who am I?"
Digraph Detectives Teacher Guide Educator Instructional Guide • Grade 3
Digraph /ch/ Lesson & Pacing Guide
Estimated Time 40–45 Minutes
Learning Targets
Accurately decode and encode words containing the /ch/ digraph in initial, medial, and final positions.
Apply the -tch vs. -ch spelling rule following short vowels.
Cite key story details and character actions to answer comprehension questions.
Phonemic Cue / Articulation
The /ch/ sound is an affricate (an unvoiced stop + fricative). Model how the tongue touches the roof of the mouth and releases a quick puff of air (like a train: ch-ch-ch! ), unlike the continuous rushing sound of /sh/ .
5-Phase Lesson Protocol
1. Warm-Up 5 mins
Sound pop: Say pairs (ship/chip , share/chair ). Students tap desk when they hear /ch/.
2. First Read 12 mins
Choral read pages 1–2. Focus on narrative flow, mystery clues, and character expression.
3. Sound Hunt 8 mins
Partner whisper read. Students highlight or underline target words with /ch/ and /tch/.
4. Casebook 12 mins
Independent completion of worksheet: comprehension, sound sorting, and spelling rules.
5. Debrief 5 mins
Review secret riddle and celebrate /ch/ master detectives with quick verbal exit ticket.
Tier 2 Vocabulary in Context
chimed (verb)
Rang out like a musical bell (e.g., the church clock chimed six times).
damper (noun)
A movable metal plate inside a chimney flue that regulates airflow to the fire.
prized (adjective)
Considered very valuable, special, or cherished by someone.
Guided Reading Discussion Questions
•
Predicting: Before revealing Chapter 3, pause and ask: "Why might Chester's cheeks look chunky even if he didn't take the cheese?" (Chipmunks naturally store nuts).
•
Inferring: Why does Chef Charlie apologize to Chester? What lesson does the story convey about leaping to conclusions?
Chester Cheddar Chase • Teacher Instructional Guide Page 1
Assessment & Answer Keys
Student Casebook Scoring Key & Differentiation Strategies
Teacher Reference
Official Casebook Answer Key
Part 1: Story Clues
Q1:
Mystery Progression Writing Activity Day 3 Writer's Workshop • Narrative Progression
Story Progression Trail
Plot Architect
Name:
Date:
1
Understanding Story Progression (The Plot Arc)
Every good mystery moves forward step-by-step. Notice how Chester's story traveled from beginning to end:
1. Beginning Setup
Introduce characters & setting before the action begins.
Chester rests on porch; chef chops cheddar.
2. Problem Rising
A complication strikes! Characters look for clues.
Cheddar is missing; chef suspects Chester!
3. Climax Peak
The most exciting turning point or big discovery.
Following crumbs to find Chloe inside the chest!
4. Resolution Ending
The mystery wraps up and characters celebrate.
Chef bakes fresh muffins; friends feast together.
2
Stepping Stones: Plan Your Mystery Progression
Imagine Chester faces a new mystery (e.g., The Missing Cherry Jam or The Chipped Chocolate Dish ). Plan your four story stages below:
1 Beginning / Setting the Scene: Who is there? What is Chester doing at the start?
2 Rising Action / The Clue Trail: What goes missing? What strange clue appears?
3 Climax / The Big Discovery: Where does the trail lead? Who or what is found?
4 Resolution / The Celebration: How is it resolved? What do they share together?
Chester Cheddar Chase • Day 3 Story Progression Activity Page 1
Drafting the Progressive Mystery
Day 3 Writer's Workshop: Writing From Beginning to End
Drafting Sheet
Time & Progression Words:
At first... Early that day... Suddenly... Just then... After that... Finally...
/ch/ Word Bank (Use at least 3!):
chest crunch chuckle latch catch pitcher
My Progressive Mystery Story: Title: _____________________________________
Writer's Self-Check: Story Progression & Conventions
My story has a clear beginning, middle, and end.
I used transition words to move time forward.
I included at least 3 words with the /ch/ sound.
I checked for capital letters and ending marks.
Chester Cheddar Chase • Day 3 Story Progression Activity Page 2
Chester Cheddar Readers Theater Day 4 Fluency & Performance • 4 Roles
Chester Cheddar Readers Theater
Act 1: The Accusation
NARRATOR Clear & steady voice
CHEF CHARLIE Loud, dramatic & busy
CHESTER Quick, cheeky & loyal
CHLOE Sleepy & cheese-loving
Setting: The Cozy Kitchen Bakery on a chilly morning. The church clock chimes six times.
NARRATOR
The church bells rang across the village. Inside the warm bakery, Chef Charlie pulled on his checkered apron and began his morning chores.
CHEF CHARLIE
(Stirring a wooden bowl) Ah, today is the day! I shall chop fresh apples and roll the dough for my champion cheddar crunch biscuits!
CHESTER
(Peeking through the back porch latch) Sniff, sniff! Oh my bushy tail, that cheese smells enchanting! But I must stay on the porch like a good chipmunk.
NARRATOR
Chef Charlie turned his back for ten seconds to check the chimney damper. When he pivoted back toward his wooden bench, his jaw dropped open!
CHEF CHARLIE
(Gasping dramatically) Great galloping flapjacks! My golden chunk of cheddar has vanished! Who dared to snatch my cheese?
NARRATOR
Chef Charlie charged straight out the back screen door. There sat Chester on the bench, innocently chewing a sunflower seed.
CHEF CHARLIE
(Pointing a finger) Chester! Look at those chunky cheeks! Did you creep in and pinch my prized cheddar cheese?
CHESTER
(Chirping in protest) Who, me? Never! I am a polite chipmunk, not a cheese bandit! Look at the ground by your boots, Chef!
Voice Coach Note:
Notice how punctuation marks tell you when to sound surprised (!), asking (?), or dramatic.
Chester Cheddar Chase • Readers Theater Script Page 1
Act 2: The Cheddar Clue Trail
Chester Cheddar Readers Theater • Scene 2
Climax & Resolution
NARRATOR
Chef Charlie looked down at the gravel path. Sticking to the wet stones was a trail of bright orange crumbs.
CHESTER
(Leaping off the railing) Chit-chatter! Follow the crumb trail past the chicken coop! The culprit left a path right to the peach tree!
CHEF CHARLIE
(Tiptoeing carefully) Shhh! The crumbs stop beside this old wooden chest. Let me unlatch the lid very slowly...
CHLOE
(Purring loudly) Crunch, crunch, munch! Purrrr... this cheddar is delicious! Best breakfast ever!
Quotation Clues Activity Worksheet Day 4 Narrative Conventions • Punctuation
Quotation Clues Casebook
Dialogue Detective
Name:
Date:
1
The Golden Rule of Quotation Marks
Quotation marks (" ") are like speech hugs!
1. Put quotation marks around the exact words spoken out loud.
2. Keep the comma, period, question mark, or exclamation mark inside the closing quotes.
"I see orange crumbs!" chirped Chester.
2
Add the Missing Quotation Marks
Carefully insert quotation marks " " around the spoken words in each sentence below:
Where did my champion cheddar disappear? asked Chef Charlie.
Chester pointed his paw and said, Look past the chicken coop!
This cheese is crunchy and delicious, purred Chloe from the chest.
Chef Charlie chuckled and said, Good detectives never jump to conclusions.
3
Punctuation Spot Check
Which sentence uses quotation marks and commas completely correctly?
A "I love baking muffins", shouted the chef happily.
B "I love baking muffins," shouted the chef happily.
C "I love baking muffins shouted the chef happily."
Chester Mystery Unit • Day 4 Quotation Clues Page 1
Dialogue Writer's Studio
Day 4: Transforming Narration into Lively Conversation
Part 2: Creative Application
4
Retire "Said" with Expressive /ch/ Speech Tags
Great writers show how characters feel. Match each situation to the best /ch/ speech tag:
1. Chester was feeling cheerful:
Tag:
2. Charlie heard something funny:
Tag:
3. The crowd supported the hero:
Tag:
4. Chester took a friendly talk:
Tag:
Tag Options: chirped • chuckled • cheered • chatted
5
Write Dialogue for Your Mystery
Bring two characters from your Day 3 mystery story together. Write 2–3 lines of spoken conversation using quotation marks and at least two /ch/ words:
Detective Peer Review Conference
Every spoken line starts and ends with quotes (" ").
Punctuation marks are placed inside the quotes.
Dialogue Detectives Teacher Guide Day 4 Facilitation Guide • Grade 3
Dialogue & Fluency Teacher Guide
Lesson Duration 45 Minutes
Core Competencies
L.3.2.c: Use commas and quotation marks in dialogue correctly.RF.3.4.b: Read grade-level text orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression.W.3.3.b: Use dialogue and descriptions of actions, thoughts, and feelings to develop experiences.
The "Speech Hug" Anchor
Demonstrate with two bent fingers on both hands. Tell students: "Quotation marks hug ONLY the exact words coming out of the mouth. The speaker tag stays on the outside!" Remind them that punctuation marks love hugs too, so they stay inside!
4-Step Lesson Protocol
1. Mini-Lesson 8 mins
Anchor chart on quotation marks vs. tags. Model turning a comic speech bubble into a written sentence.
2. Readers Theater 15 mins
Divide students into groups of 4. Assign character roles. Practice oral fluency, prosody, and volume.
3. Casebook Studio 12 mins
Students complete the Quotation Clues worksheet, replacing 'said' with /ch/ speech action verbs.
4. Peer Conferencing 10 mins
Partners read dialogue lines aloud to test whether they sound realistic and check each other's punctuation.
Readers Theater Performance Tips
Character Voices: Encourage students to lean into character traits: Chef Charlie should sound flustered and loud; Chester should speak rapidly; Chloe should sound sleepy and slow.
Choral Tracking: Instruct the remaining readers to follow along with their finger while another student reads. This ensures continuous decoding practice for all 4 students.
Chester Mystery Unit • Day 4 Teacher Guide Page 1
Scoring Key & Conferring Guide
Dialogue Casebook Solutions & Remediation Tips
Answer Key & Notes
Quotation Clues Activity Solutions
Part 2: Missing Quotation Marks
1. "Where did my champion cheddar disappear? " asked Chef Charlie.
2. Chester pointed his paw and said, "Look past the chicken coop! "
3. "This cheese is crunchy and delicious, " purred Chloe from the chest.
4. Chef Charlie chuckled and said, "Good detectives never jump to conclusions. "
